High School Senior Spotlight 2021 Saint Raphael Academy By L.A. Reilly
Isabella Calise
I attended the Commencement for the Class of 2021 for Saint Raphael Academy on Sunday June 13th at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence, RI. Listening to the Salutatorian address by Isabella Calise, I was extremely impressed not only by her accomplishments but also by her presence, confidence and her loving personality that just can’t help put a smile on my face. Her achievements are astounding and I felt this bubbly senior should be recognized for all her hard work and determination. LA: The list goes on & on for what you have achieved over your four years of high school. Tell me what awards you’ve won, extracurricular activities you’ve been in. IC: I was on the Lasallian Youth Leadership Team for 4 years. A community outreach leader. I helped students find community service opportunities near them and I got to work and talk to a lot of people that I really enjoyed. I did Mock trial for 3 years where I served as an attorney and it brought me into the courtroom and assured me that’s what I wanted to do in the future. I did Drama for 2 years which included three plays which helped me get out of my shell. I was Captain of the Golf Team for 3 years where I played as an independent. I was the first female golfer in the history of Saint Rays! I was Editor-in-chief for the Saint Sentinel school newspaper, which was my favorite leadership role. I love to write and edit. I love to “Be in charge” so it was the perfect position for me. It was a role I had worked for and really happy to do. I was the Student Ambassador for 4 years where I spoke on the radio for open houses, volunteered for open houses, made instructional videos and gave private tours. I was Class President my Junior & Senior years. I am a member of the National Honor Society, RI Honor Society, Foreign Language Honor Society, International Thespian Honor Society, Moore Scholars, Summa Cum Laude. Awards include the Harvard Book Award, The Leona Rogers Memorial Award, and the highest award given by Saint Rays:
The Edith Peck Phillips Memorial Award. I was also awarded Excellence in Theology, English and Social Studies. LA: Unbelieveable! Now what made you finally decide on Boston College and what do you plan to study? IC: Well, my dad worked in law enforcement so I always had familiarity with the justice system. When I was in middle school learning about the constitution and government it peaked my interest. I was always told growing up that I would make a great lawyer because I “Had to know the answer to everything” I knew I wanted to be a lawyer by age 11. I want to major in Political Science. I feel political science encompasses not just government but also the people. I’m interested in how government shapes people. Boston College is great for this major because they have a political science curriculum that is really open to what YOU want to get out of it. I really like the flexibility of BC. They also have a great minor there called “Managing for Social Impact in the public good” Shop In RI 65
